Sunday, August 14, 2011

Pictured here are six local residents who just completed a 10-day camping experience called Devil Pups. Devil Pups camp is held every summer at the Marine Corps Base at Camp Pendleton, California as part of their community outreach program. Devil Pup Cord Christensen earned one of six PFT awards for the 2nd increment of 300 Pups.

The program involves an annual ten-day youth citizenship program for youths aged 14 to 17 in Southern California. It was initially formed after a 1953 incident in which retired Marine Corps Colonel Duncan Shaw, Sr., learned that a group of teenagers burned an American flag at a Southern California high school. Aggravated by this activity and the attitudes among American youth it represented, Colonel Shaw and a group of retired Marine Corps Reserve Officers, now prominent Southern California businessmen, asked the Commandant of the Marine Corps to help with a community benefit project that would aid the development of character qualities in teenage boys and girls and enable them to become healthier and more successful young citizens.

The name “Devil Pups” was derived from actual Marines being called “Devil Dogs” by German troops in World War I. This program, created by retired Marines and held at Camp Pendleton, a Marine Corps base, was then named “Devil Pups” due to the age of the candidates.

Teens are given information about the program and if they are interested in attending camp, they must complete two physical fitness tests, complete an application about why they want to attend this camp, and pass a physical exam. Physical fitness tests include sit-ups, push-ups, pull-ups and a one-mile run.

The local representative for the camp is Lt. Col. William C. Toole (USMCR, Ret.) and the selection process begins in January of each year for summer encampments held in July-August. For more information, contact Bill Toole at (435) 652-3998.

Friday, August 12, 2011

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

2011 Devil Pup camp is over and we have nine more outstanding graduates from the State of Utah. The accomplishment and pride shown on these faces says it all. Special congratulations to Cord Christensen for one of six PFT awards! Congratulations, Devil Pups!

This is a 7-day heads-up for Awards Night at The Pizza Factory, 2 West St. George Boulevard, St. George – in Ancestor Square. We will meet in the upstairs room reserved for larger parties. All-you-can eat pizza, bread stix and drink for $8 adults, $4 children under $10. Family and friends are invited, as well as program supporters, donors, mentors and Col. Whicker!

Mariah AllredKelsy Simmons

So that the Pizza Factory can be prepared quicker or us, and if you have not already done so, please respond to this message with how many will be in your party and what choice pizza you will order. The choices are:

Friday, July 22, 2011

July 21st at o'dark thirty arrived after much anticipation. [My camera date is off a day.] Pups climbed into a 15 passenger van and endured the 7.5 hour trip to Camp Pendleton. All pups were accepted into the program and are enjoying the rigors of camp. Here are the pups and Col. Toole leaving St. George at 3:00 a.m. on the 21st:

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Devil Pups: Are you ready? Are you excited? We are . . . we know you are pumped and will do your best – AND have fun at Devil Pup camp. Remember to meet us at 2:45 a.m. (during the night between Wednesday night and Thursday morning the 21st) in the parking lot of the Claridge Inn on Bluff Street. We will take time for a few “before” photos and then head for Camp Pendleton, stopping in Barstow for a McDonald’s breakfast.

Remember, one bag, labeled with your name on two pieces of masking tape, one on each side for easy identification once 300 bags are stacked at Camp Pendleton. Follow the instructions for what to pack. Wear a plain white T-shirt, jeans, belt, and tennies. Carry a hoodie for warmth during the trip, during the cool California nights and cool California early mornings. It's definitely not Southern Utah weather at Camp Pendleton.

Saturday, July 9, 2011

All paperwork requirements are in - except for one Soc. Sec. number. Service folders for camp are looking good.

We are in the process of publishing a Parent Contact List for the benefit of family and friends who may want/need to contact each other before, during or after camp time. We have one family's permission to obtain and then we will send that out to each of our 2011 Devil Pup families.

PT workouts with the Marine poolees are to be held on Thursdays at 5:00 p.m. If you wish to participate, you can meet at the Recruiting Office across from Red Cliffs Mall. Kelsey is working hard on her PT scores; better get in shape to keep up with her!!!

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Garrett Allred, Garrett Hays, Chris Nebeker, Mariah Allred and Kelsy Simmons all have completed their paperwork requirements. Ooh rahs to those five pups!

Four of the finalists have a couple of forms to submit. Please be sure you mail to us your doctor's exam and the Participation Agreement signed by you and your parents. One finalist needs to submit money earned to complete his requirement.

Col. Toole needs the forms to complete your pup file folders, which you will hand to the officials when you arrive at Camp Pendleton. Please try to take care of these final requirements asap so we don't have any last-minute surprises. Please call (435) 652-3998 if you have any questions. If you need us to pick up these forms, just let us know - but it is your responsibility to get them to us one way or the other.

Kudos for working so hard on your PFT scores and your requirements. The only paperwork remaining are the Participation forms to be signed by a parent, and a Doctor's Exam.

It is strongly suggested that each finalist work out with the Marine Corps poolees on Tuesday (or Thursday) afternoons to strengthen yourselves for camp in July. Please let us know if you would like to take advantage of this excellent PT training.

Congratulations on your hard work. Begin thinking about packing for camp and any necessary purchases. If you purchase the suggested footwear, make sure you wear them in early to eliminate sore feet at Camp Pendleton.

In the near future, you will be receiving driving directions to Camp Pendleton for the family and friends attending graduation on July 30.

Saturday, June 18, 2011

The final PFT is behind us and you will soon be receiving your letters that will tell you if you have passed the hurdles to go to Devil Pup camp this summer.

We are providing mentors who will help those of you who haven't yet earned the full $100 for your camp experience. There are a couple of really great couples that you will like a lot who have odd jobs for you. Please respond to their calls or e-mails and set up something to get a work schedule set up so you can get your funds in as soon as possible.

There are two forms to go yet. (1) a Participation form, and (2) a doctor's exam. Please get those completed asap. Both forms are on the http://www.devilpups.com/ website or you can get a scanned copy from Donna.

Friday, June 17, 2011

Devil Pup Candidates: This is a last reminder for tomorrow's PFT at the Washington County Sheriff's facility in Hurricane. It's at 8:00 a.m. If you have not completed two PFTs, then this one's for you! (Jace Cravey, Garrett Allred and Wyatt Stevens have completed two and do not need to be there.)

After tomorrow's PFT, there will be two more forms to complete. One will be a Parental Consent form and the other the doctor's exam form. Col. Toole will pass them out after the PFT. Both these forms can be found and printed from www.devilpups.com for those who do not get a hard copy tomorrow from Col. Toole. The doctor's exam can be completed after you have been advised of acceptance into the program.

You'll be pleased to know that Col. Toole has altered the way we handle the PFT results. Previously we were averaging the results of the first and second tests. This accomplished the purpose of giving a candidate two opportunities at the test in case the candidate was having an "off day." This has now been modified so that we will take the higher of the two scores.

Again, within 48 hours after the test, you will know if you've been accepted for Devil Pups 2011.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Devil Pup Candidates: This coming Saturday, June 18, is the final PFT. If you have not already had two PFTs, then you’ll need to attend this one to be considered in the 2011 camp experience at Camp Pendleton. The test will be at the same place – the Washington County Sheriff’s facility in Hurricane. The time is 8:00 a.m.

After this PFT, all those candidates with two PFTs will have their scores averaged and the final selection will be made. You will be notified of your status within 48 hours after the PFT on the 18th.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

This is a reminder of the make-up PFT for this coming Saturday morning, June 11th, at 8:00 a.m. at the Washington County Sheriff’s facility in Hurricane. The address is 620 So. 5300 West - very close to the DMV office. Work on your sit-ups, push-ups, pull-ups and running times.

Please remember that there must be two PFTs for each candidate to be considered for this summer’s camp. The final score for each candidate will be the average of the two PFTs.

If you were unable to attend the first PFT on May 21st, you will need to be at this one and the test on June 18. If you have to miss the last PFT on the 18th of this month but already completed the first PFT, you will need to be at this one on Saturday in order to have two tests.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Reminder: June 11th at 8:00 a.m. at Washington County Sheriff's facility. See the May 24 and May 15 posts below for address and directions. If you didn't make the first PFT, you will need to be at this one. Each candidate needs two PFTs. The next/final PFT is June 18.

Most of the candidates still in the running have reported in about their current situations and where they stand with their earnings. Six candidates have reached their goal. Our sponsored fund raising projects are behind us but after the June 18th PFT, when we know who the finalists are, we will start pairing those finalists who still need some earnings with a Marine Corps League member. These mentors will have odd jobs or other means of raising the balances needed.

PFT scores are crucial – work hard but safely towards your goal. After finalists are chosen, there will be an opportunity to work out with Marine Corps poolees at their workouts. It looks like it will be Thursday afternoons – more about this later. This will help you to get into top shape for your experience at Devil Pup camp.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

The make-up PFT has been rescheduled to June 11th because of a scheduling conflict with the Washington County Sheriff's facility and an event for the Triple Deuce on the 4th. PLEASE BE ADVISED the make-up PFT is now June 11 at 8:00 a.m. Location is 620 So. 5300 West in Hurricane - just up the street from the DMV office.

As most of you know, there is a requirement that each candidate earn $100 towards his/her camp experience which we provided with two car washes and yard signs to sell. Some of you have already filled those requirements with car wash ticket sales and some are working on selling the patriotic yard signs to help reach your $100 goal.

Unfortunately, many of the car wash ticket sales envelopes turned in to Col. Toole at Saturday's car wash had no name or amount on the envelope as we had asked, which was our way of charting your contributions toward your $100. I would appreciate it if each of you who turned in cash e-mail us with the amount that you have already submitted towards your $100. Otherwise, that amount will simply be lumped into "car wash sales" and not credited to you.

If you still have a ways to go to reach your $100, we have the names of retired Marines in the Marine Corps League detachment who are very supportive of the Devil Pup program who would like to be "mentors" to help you with this requirement. They may have odd jobs or other types of assistance to help you meet your goal. This opportunity will kick into high gear after June 18.

The number of candidates this year is higher than the quota we have, so those with lower PFT scores need to really concentrate now on increasing PFT results. Three factors are taken into consideration for Devil Pup selection: (1) PFT scores, (2) age, and (3) points from fund raising projects.

The PFT scores are given the most importance because of the rigorous schedule at Camp Pendleton. If pups are not "in shape" before going to Camp Pendleton, they will be playing catch-up for 10 days, not a good experience. This camp is the hardest camp in the nation, and we want you to have a good experience. If your scores are not high at the first PFT, you have the time and opportunity to work hard on those skills prior to the second PFT. If the scores do not come up this year, you still have the opportunity to work during the year on those PFT tests for a chance at next year's Devil Pup camp if still within the 14-17 age group.

Age is important, also, because those who are older will not have another chance to go in the future. If their scores are similar or tied with another younger pup, they may be given a better look.

Points from fund raising projects factor in last. We need to know how dedicated the candidate is, observe his attitude at work projects, see if he follows instructions, and find out if he can carry through with a commitment. Consideration is given to those who show a good work ethic, are responsive to instructions and follow through with details. It does not trump the PFT scores, but together with the PFT tells us a lot about a candidate's chance for a good experience at camp.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Please watch this blog for further changes to the make up PFT test. Due to scheduling conflicts for the Washington County Sheriff's Office on June 4th involving the Triple Deuce, our PFT date has been changed to June 11. An e-mail will be sent asap with the exact time on the 11th. Cross June 4th off your calendar and pencil in June 11.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

For those of you who have the patriotic yard signs to sell, please keep the money from the sale in an envelope with your name and the amount on the outside of the envelope. We will arrange to pick up the money when you let us know you have sold the yard signs - or we will collect the envelopes at the final PFT on June 18th.

Next event is the make-up PFT on June 4. If you still wish to be a candidate for 2011 Devil Pup camp, this is a MUST for those who did not attend the first PFT last Saturday. It will be held at the Washington County Sheriff’s facility, 620 So. 5300 West in Hurricane - just up the street from the DMV office. If you were at the PFT last Saturday, you do not need to attend the June 4 PFT. We will let you know in the next few days what time the June 4 PFT will be held.

EVERYONE MUST ATTEND THE PFT ON JUNE 18 to be considered for a slot on our 2011 Devil Pup roster. To clarify, you must have TWO PFT tests to remain a candidate for Devil Pups camp this summer.

Our car wash on Saturday was another success. Thank you for your ticket sales. Advance sales have made this portion of our fund raising a success. Special thanks to Oscar Garcia for his vision for this fund raising portion of our program as well as his time and effort at the PFTs and car washes.

Each of your accounts will be checked to see if you have earned the $100 that each was to contribute toward his/her camp experience, so if you still have some dollars to earn, it’s time to catch up.

After the June 18 PFT results are in, the 2011 final selections will be made. SoUtah’s quota this year is for 9 males and 2 females. There are still 12 to 13 males competing for those 9 slots, so work on your PFT scores prior to June 18 so as not to be eliminated.

As for last Saturday’s PFT results, WATCH YOUR E-MAIL for your score. It will tell you where you are currently placed in the list of Devil Pup candidates who have tested so far. Those e-mails should go out to you within the next 24 hours.

Monday, May 16, 2011

REMINDER: This coming Saturday, May 21st, is the car wash at 9:00. Hill Top Car Wash next to Denny's, 160 No. 900 East, St. George.

PRIOR to the car wash, at 7:30 a.m., we are having the initial PFT at the Washington County Sheriff's office in Hurricane. A make-up PFT for those who have firm commitments in other places on the 21st will be held on June 4, same place - time to be announced.

The second (and final) PFT for ALL HANDS will be scheduled at the Sheriff's facility at 0730 on Saturday, June 18. The 0730 time is to avoid the heat and to accommodate other activities of the Washington County Sheriff's facility following our PFT.

After the June 18 PFT, selections will be made in accordance with test results and car wash points earned by candidates. Work hard and Good Luck!

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Our SECOND car wash is scheduled for Saturday, May 21st, from 0900 to 1200. That is this coming Saturday. The location is the same – Hill Top Car Wash next to Denny’s above St. George Boulevard. You have had your tickets to sell. Bring the money from those tickets with you to the car wash. Use the envelope to hold the cash. Write your name and the amount of money on your envelope and seal it. I will collect the envelopes at the car wash.

The following is NEW INFORMATION. Our FIRST PFT is also set for next Saturday, May 21, but the time is 0730 (prior to the car wash). This time was selected to avoid the heat of the day. The location is the WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE at 620 So. 5300 West in Hurricane. (See directions and photos below.)

A make-up PFT will be held June 4 for those with other commitments on May 21st. Same time, same place - Washington County Sheriff's office facility.

The SECOND (and final) PFT will be scheduled on Saturday, June 18, at 7:30 a.m. at the same place, Washington County Sheriff's Office. The final selection of candidates will be made after the results of the second PFT are tallied. This schedule gives the successful candidates an additional four weeks to work on their fitness before departing for Camp Pendleton.

Questions? Home phone: (435) 652-3998. Cell (925) 216-8964.

DIRECTIONS FOR PFT - Saturday, May 21/June 4 and Jun 18, at 7:30 a.m.:Take State Route 9 toward Hurricane.Exit Route 9 at the DMV office on your right. (Photo 1)Continue on 5300 past Purgatory Correctional Facility.Left turn on next driveway on the left Washington County Sheriff’s Building. (Photo 2)We will be waiting in the parking lot outside that building (Photo 3).

Friday, May 13, 2011

DINE TO DONATETuesday, May 17, Applebee's in St. George from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Please join us for a "Dine to Donate" night at Applebee's Restaurant, 156 So. River Road in St. George. Applebee's is excited to donate 10% of the proceeds of the meals of those of us who come in with a certificate indicating we are participating in the Devil Pup fund raising project.

Get your certificate from your e-mail or contact Bill Toole at 652-3998. Hand the certificate to your server and Applebee's will clip it to your bill and tally up the slips at the end of the evening, donating 10% to the Detachment for our Devil Pup project.

This is not a 10% discount for your dinner; you will pay the regular price and Applebee's will donate 10% of your check to the Devil Pup project. It should be a fun night - how could it be better? No work, just food and fun.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Just a reminder that all application forms need to be sent in ASAP - if you have not already done so. There are three pages in all. One form is titled Devil Pup Liaison Representative Selection Questionnaire on which you fill in essay questions. The other is titled DEVIL PUPS Youth Program for America. The Youth Program for America form has a section for medical information. You can leave the blood type off at this point if you don't yet know what it is. You do not have to schedule a physical until you have finished the first PFT. That will tell us whether you have a chance at one of the quotas for this summer's camp, so you can wait for those results and we will let you know it's time to get a physical. But make sure we have all the forms now.

If you have not yet received the 10 tickets for the car wash on May 21st, please let us know by phone or e-mail. Remember, you need to sell all of them - bring the envelope full of money from the sale of the tickets to the car wash or give them to Donavan Millett at Dixie High School. SELL, SELL, SELL!!!! $5-$7 is a super deal for a car wash.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

The second car wash will be held Saturday, May 21, 2011 at Hilltop Car Wash; same place; 9 to 12 noon. You will all receive 10 tickets to sell prior to that date. Please note you are expected to sell all the tickets and return the money envelope to either Donavan Millet at Dixie High School or myself. Please e-mail me so I can arrange to collect your ticket sales, or bring the envelope with the money in it to the car wash on the 21st.

There were three candidates who had put their names on the list to be considered as 2011 summer camp attendees who did not show up at the first car wash and did not call me before or after with an explanation. Those candidates are really behind the power curve at this point with no ticket sales reported and no points for attending the first car wash.

I do not yet have DP applications filled out for J. Arrias (one page is missing), K. and B. Simmons, W. Stevens and C. Nebeker. Please let me know when I can expect your applications.

Please mark your calendars now for the May 21st car wash fund raiser if you wish to be considered as a serious contender for one of the Devil Pup slots for summer encampment.

Watch for further particulars for an Applebee's fund raising night. Applebee's in St. George has agreed to hold a fund raiser for Devil Pups where all those who come in with a coupon will get 10% off on their meals and the 10% will be donated to Devil Pups. We will be setting up a date (most likely a Monday or Tuesday evening which is best for Applebee's), a link to a coupon, and we will keep you posted when that is finalized.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Devil Pup Candidates: Saturday is the first fund raising project. Please be at the Hilltop Car Wash at 160 N 900 E, next to Denny's, before 9:00 a.m., ready to help at the car wash for which you sold tickets. If you haven't gotten your ticket sale money to Donavan Millett or myself, please bring the envelopes with you Saturday - be sure to put your name on your envelopes so you will get credit. The car wash runs from 9:00 to 12:00 noon. See you there!

Monday, April 18, 2011

Several young men and women came to the second informational meeting this evening. As it stands right now, we have 15 young people (4 females and 11 males) for 11 slots, (2 females and 9 males). Only six candidates have their paperwork in. For those of you serious about your desire to go to Devil Pup camp this summer, please make sure I have these application papers ASAP.

These are initial stats only; things change quickly all the way up through the PFT tests.

The Allreds have already sold two envelopes of car wash tickets and took more to sell! The car wash is this coming Saturday (the day before Easter) from 9:00 to noon, next to Denny's above St. George Boulevard. Remind your friends to get their cars washed for their Easter parades!

Get your ticket sale money to Donavan Millett at the high school this week (be sure to put your name on the envelope so you get credit for those sales), call me to pick it up from you, or bring it with you on Saturday to the car wash event.

As always, if you learn of someone who will donate to the program, have them make their tax-deductible checks to (1) Devil Pups, Inc., or (2) Utah Dixie Marine Corps League Detachment #1270. Both organizations are 501(c)(3) and thus donations are tax exempt.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

We scheduled a “pick up” meeting for those Pups/Parents who could not make yesterday’s meeting. The pick up meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Monday, April 18, in Community Room B of the St. George Library on West 100 South in St. George.

If you are unable to attend or if you wish to remove your name from the candidate list, please have the courtesy to call me at (435) 652-3998 or e-mail me.

This reminder was sent to the entire mailing list and can be ignored by those Pups/Parents who attended yesterday’s meeting.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Reminder: The first of two information meetings regarding the 2011 Devil Pup program will be held at the St. George library in Meeting Room "B" in the basement.Tuesday, April 12. Please bring a parent or guardian and also complete the two forms sent to you earlier and bring them with you. The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m.Address: St. George Washington County Library, 88 W 100 South, St. George, UT.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Tuesday, April 12, 2011 Washington County Main Library 88 W 100 South St. George (Community Room “B” in the basement) 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.

ALTERNATE DATE: Monday, April 18, 2011 Washington County Main Library 88 W 100 South St. George (Community Room “B” in the basement) 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.

Devil Pup Applicants and Families:

Thank you for your interest in the Devil Pup program. This message you are reading explains the next steps in the selection process.

Two forms are attached at the bottom this blog. One form, titled “Devil Pups – Youth Program for America” is to be completed by the parent or guardian. When completed, it gives data on medical history and contact information, which will be seen only by Devil Pup program staff.

The second form, our “Selection Questionnaire,” is to be completed LEGIBLY by the applicant. This two-page form, when completed, tells us why you think you should be chosen for this year’s program. If you cannot print a full-size copy of these forms from the link below, e-mail me for a PDF copy.

Complete these forms and be prepared for the next step – the Parent/Pup joint conference with me, the Liaison Rep for Utah/Eastern Nevada. Choose one of the two dates shown above. REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR TWO COMPLETED FORMS WITH YOU.

If neither date “works,” call me at (435) 652-3998 and leave a message, if you are still interested in being considered for the program.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

We will leave St. George late Wednesday night, July 20th, for the drive to Camp Pendleton, California. Get some sleep ahead of this trip! We will join the Las Vegas Pups on a tour bus, stop for breakfast in Barstow, and arrive at Camp Pendleton Thursday a.m. approximately 8:00 a.m. (0800).

Parents/guardians are REQUIRED to attend the graduation exercises on July 30th, 2011 - 1200 hrs (11:00 a.m.). Arrive early for good seating. (I will provide directions and a map to Camp Pendleton if you need them.)

Parents are responsible for transportation home for their Devil Pup. A link to the official Devil Pups, Inc. website for further information is included at the bottom of this web page. Please contact me at wctoole@sunrivertoday.com if you have questions.

Monday, April 4, 2011

The 2011 Devil Pup program will hold a car wash at Hilltop Car Wash, behind Denny's on St. George Boulevard and 1000 East, on April 23, 2011. 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Each Pup Candidate will be given 10 tickets to sell for $5.00 each ($7.00 for over-sized vehicles). Hilltop Car Wash will allow Devil Pups the use of the wash process, and the Pups and other volunteers will dry the vehicles and clean the windows. All Pup Candidates will help sell tickets and help with the work detail on the 23rd of April.

There will be another car wash in June to be manned by successful Devil Pup candidates for 2011, plus other volunteers.

There will also be volunteers and ticket sales by the Utah Dixie Marine Corps League members. If we all work together on these two fund raisers, we will reach our annual goal of $5,000 by mid-June.

The Devil Pup experience is free to the Pup and Pup's family. This year, the quota for Pups from Southern Utah is 11 young men and women. Your tax deductible donations for the support of this ongoing and outstanding program, that makes a difference in the lives of young people, will be very much appreciated.

The cost per Devil Pup is $450. If you can support one or more Pup, or have another amount you would like to donate to the program, please make your checks payable to "Devil Pups, Inc." and contact me for delivery of the donation.

Please consider the "Testimonials" section of this blog for the changes your donations can support in the lives of these young people and their parents.

DEVIL PUP FORMS

What is Devil Pups?

Devil Pups is an non-profit organization designed to help boys and girls from all backgrounds gain self-confidence and learn to take responsibility for their actions. Devil Pups is not a Marine Corps sponsored program. The program is not a “mini boot camp” para-military or recruiting organization for the Marine Corps. Encampment Commanders are employees of Devil Pups, Inc. Devil Pups Web Site

TESTIMONIALS

From the parent of a 2011 Devil Pup sent from St. George:

Mark was in Platoon 4 last year in August.I am writing to say I would like to donate $100.00 to help a candidate go to camp this year.In case you’re curious, Mark is still on track.Doing great in school, volunteering and showing great leadership in school and at home.Here are a few pictures of Mark at his first ROTC competition earlier this year, Mark was the only one in the whole squad (including his squad leader) that the inspector could not find anything to call him out on.We all held our breath as the inspector reviewed Mark for an extended period of time trying to find something out of place.Then, reluctantly, the inspector congratulated Mark and moved on to the next cadet.We were so proud of him and were reminded that day that his confidence and discipline were also part of what he brought home from camp last year.As we come upon a year now in August, he is still showing the Devil Pups DVD to his peers and family, discussing things he learned and appreciated about going to camp.Actually, as a family we all learned a lot last year, we bonded through the camp experience and learned how to better support Mark with his goals.We gained understanding of Mark's determination and watched him transform into an even more responsible and determined young man in just 10 days time.Thank you again, for all you did last year and all you do for the Devil Pup program.

From a father and doctor in San Diego: We can't thank your organization enough for what you did for our son. What took place in 10 days is nothing short of a miracle. Our son had low self-esteem and his response to anything was "I can't." He wouldn't try riding a skateboard, wouldn't do his homework and he was constantly late for school. His GPA was 1.5. When he returned from Devil Pups the following took place: - He asked us to buy him a skateboard - he now rides every day. - He took up surfing, is up every day at 5 a.m. to surf before school. - He joined the high school cross [country] team and is now bringing home trophies . . . . this is from a kid who would have nothing to do with sports. We sent you a defeated kid and you returned us a beautiful, courageous young man.

Unsolicited letter excerpts from a 2010 16 year old Devil Pup named Emily [in her words]: Devil Pups is not for everyone, it takes a certain person who is willing to step out of their comfort zone and do things that most people never even have the opportunity to try. . . . Do not think this camp was easy, there was never a time where I was not putting all I had into whatever I was doing. Every event was nerve-racking and scary; we all learned that 'pain is weakness leaving the body' and learned to live by it. . . . At Devil Pups, things are done that are not part of ones every day life. Whether it is climbing the 35-foot ladder to jump the 35-foot drop, or running 5-1/2 miles in the deep sand, it takes a certain pup to succeed. Many new virtues are obtained through this program, virtues including integrity, courage, teamwork, endurance, decisiveness, and judgment. After climbing Ole Smokey and completing the Marine Corps obstacle course, I have been able to see that there really is no "I" in "team." . . . Through Devil Pups I have learned that one does not go somewhere hoping to succeed, but brings success with them because it is bread within them. . . . Many do not make it to the day all pups are awaiting, graduation day. To graduate from this ten-day program, the only way out is to 'train or go home.' There are no mistakes made, if one occurs, the phone is picked up and mommy is called. Devil Pups taught me, if you do whatever is supposed to be done, the way it is supposed to be done, then there is no such thing as failure. Because of the Devil Pups program, the word 'failure' no longer exists in my vocabulary. . . . Devil Pups helped me to become a better leader and build my own confidence and self esteem. . . . A winner is able to make a mistake and say, "I was wrong" when a loser makes a mistake and casually says, "It was not my fault." . . . Devil Pups motto, "Growth Through Challenge" truly depicts what a great program it really is. Its main goal is to give young children ages 14-17 the leadership and courage building skills to accomplish anything they want in life. . . . The Devil Pups program has showed me that I truly can do or be whatever I want as long as I am willing to work hard. Nothing great comes easy; one must work hard for the things that are important to them in life.

I can tell you that the lessons learned during my time with the Pups helped in providing a strong foundation for my future endeavors. Building character is one of the greatest attributes of the Devil Pup experience. It is character that is the core of the individual; it will determine the type of human being that will go out into the world.

Now to nurture this quality in 14 to 17 year olds is no easy task I assure you, as I have had the experience of having worked with young people for the better part of my professional career. However, the Devil Pups have been able to cull the knowledge of its members, incorporate the discipline of the Marines, to create a program of excellence for the youth of today. Developing strong leadership skills has long been a focal point of the Devil Pups organization... and it will remain so, because this organization realizes the importance of good leaders. It isn’t that these young people are molded into what we feel they should be. Instead, the Devil Pups gives them the confidence to believe in themselves, and their ideas. Our society has benefited, in more ways than what I have mentioned here because of the Devil Pup organization. Their impact is undeniable on the lives of the individuals that were fortunate enough to take part. I am certainly beholden to this organization for their efforts